Dr Helen Anderson, of Wellington
Dr Helen Anderson received the Insignia of a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for services to the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology. Dr Anderson joined the Ministry in 1997 as Chief Science Advisor and from 2003 to April 2010 was its Chief Executive. A seismologist with international expertise in the mechanics of large earthquakes, Dr Anderson was previously Director of Earth and Ocean Sciences in Dunedin, a collaboration between the University of Otago and the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences. In her role at the Ministry she was responsible for strategic policy advice on the Crown’s investment in research, science and technology and worked to manage the science system to enable researchers to create the best outcome for New Zealand. She was involved in numerous Ministerial delegations and represented New Zealand at international forums including APEC and the OECD. She is a member of the Fulbright New Zealand Board and is a Companion of the Royal Society of New Zealand.